R. David Lankes,
Syracuse University School of Information Studies Director, Information Institute of Syracuse

David Lankes is a passionate advocate for libraries, librarians and their essential role in today’s society. In this keynote, he argues that the future of libraries is not in our collections or a building, but in our relationships with those we serve. Libraries are knowledge hubs that bring together the wisdom of the community, and share it with the world. This is more than just a rhetorical shift; it has real implications for how libraries organise themselves and how they use technology.

What is happening on the technology front line and how should libraries predict and plan for technological developments? When it comes to future planning, how can libraries identify the ‘weak signals’ which may indicate possible significant changes? What changes do information professionals need to make in their approach to research and what new skills, techniques, resources and tools should they adopt in order to remain agile?

A102 -
Working with developers

11.45
–
12.30

Moderator:
Tony Hirst, Department of Communication and Systems, The Open University

Libraries need developers more than ever! Libraries are switched on to technology, handle masses of information and are a fantastic environment for innovation. Developers can help you improve vendor supplied systems. This session will explore the work and culture of developers, investigate the development cycle and show how to build a mutual trust and understanding of another profession. Working with developers, library and information professionals can build the technologies they need.

Brand new libraries are well positioned to deliver seamless, digital services. Oslo Public Library is developing digital services ahead of the opening of the new city library. At the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 90% of the collection is purchased, organised and accessed online. Hear how each library is developing innovative and user-centric services.

Tony Hirst,
Department of Communication and Systems, The Open University

A global interconnected web architecture can provide flexible, open access to library data and services through APIs across the web. Hear how this rich development environment is enabling libraries of all types and sizes to collaborate and innovate like never before. The Open University’s open educational resources are derived from course units that are authorised as structured XML documents on the OpenLearn site. Tony Hirst shows how new products can be derived from document archives, if we think of them as ‘data’.

Hear how cloud based information services, new forms of library software, virtualisation technology, augmented reality and gamification are changing library services. Gamification is beginning to have a real impact on library services, changing the way users interact with resources and services. The pioneering use of Augmented Reality (AR) is bringing special collections into the age of the app and enhancing their use by students. The availability of new technologies means libraries need to rethink how they buy new apps and develop and roll out new solutions. Libraries are using cloud computing and virtualisation technology for data storage and providing cloud based information services to patrons.

Even at a time of economic pressure, public libraries are delivering real innovation and creativity. Edinburgh’s Library and Information Service is delivering a new model for libraries across the city, based on a strategic approach which borrows from the retail sector to deliver ‘next generation library and information services’. The new Library of Birmingham, opening in summer 2013, is developing a number of innovative projects, including the MAGMA metadata project, a gaming app and collaboration with local digital SMEs. Both projects have lessons to share with librarians from all sectors.

While today’s fast-changing technology landscape can be a challenging one in which to operate, it provides many opportunities for information professionals to be innovators and collaborators within their organisations. At A.T. Kearney, the Knowledge Team re-invented its service offering to internal and external customers. The Roland G Parrish Library has undergone a virtual and physical renovation resulting in a dynamic library which has revitalised its relationship with its key stakeholders.

The library world is building web interfaces where Web 2.0 end-user interactivity and mash-up technology are combined with discovery tools. Users should be able to borrow media, participate in programme activities and be invited to share a closer relationship with their digital library. Malmö City Library in Sweden is actively working on the development of a digital library. The county of Gävleborgs län in Sweden is also heading in this direction and has plans to assure mobile access to its services and to link its web interfaces to metadata from other institutions such as archives and museums.

Library services must support researchers in an effective, just-in- time and personalised fashion. Research support is central to Maastricht University Library strategy, called ‘UML+YOU: the plus side of your library’. With the debate surrounding the Open Access (OA) publishing of publicly funded research, Joseph Kraus explores how libraries can work with scholars to encourage OA publishing and to demonstrate research impact.

What are the challenges in delivering quality services via mobile devices? By personalising mobile services, librarians at the University of Toronto are able to build relationships with remote users. The Open University’s Macon project set out to prototype a mobile optimised resource discovery interface which can be used to expose quality academic content from third party and local collections.

The social media landscape continues to evolve. Does your library have a social media strategy that can help you step outside the library bubble? By using such tools as Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook, libraries can promote their services and products and bond with their patrons. This session will include practical examples of how librarians are using these platforms and the latest research on social media policies.

How can the latest web apps and social media tools help librarians deliver cutting edge services? Phil Bradley will share his latest finds and give his opinion on their value to information professionals. Arthur Weiss will discuss the many tools that have been developed allowing users to analyse tweets and Twitter content.

Are you confident when it comes to helping your users stay within copyright law? Emily Goodhand (@copyrightgirl) will delve into some of the complexities of applying UK and EU copyright law to technologies and offer some practical tips and guidance on dealing with digital copyright issues. Managing access for large numbers of users and increasing numbers of online resources can be challenging. Learn about new authentication mechanisms which are easy to use and provide a clear overview of your budget spend.

In 2011 Cisco predicted that video would make up over 50% of all consumer Internet traffic by 2012, whilst YouTube recently reported that one hour of content is uploaded per second. Like mobile technology, video is becoming increasingly important in our lives. ScHARR has identified a range of ways for libraries to employ video in research, teaching and marketing. The growing field of video publication is enabling more effective knowledge transfer of complex experimental studies. What are the technical challenges and implications for scholarly communication of this new form of publication?

It's no secret that libraries and archives hold a wealth of information in their collections. Digitisation allows us to breathe new life into our collections and make them accessible online from potentially anywhere in the world. Hear how Europeana goes about delivering its digitisation programme. Hear how Gladsaxe Public libraries experimented with Spotify's widget function as a tool for creating value-added playlists and recommendations. Hear how NUI Maynooth Library planned, marketed and rolled out a mobile e-book lending scheme.